IT News
Imphal, Oct 2:
A coalition of concerned citizens and activists across the globe has expressed solidarity with Babloo Loitongbam, Executive Director of Human Rights Alert, following renewed threats against him. They called on both the Union and Manipur state governments to provide security for Babloo Loitongbam and his family. The statement highlighted the global importance of human rights work, referencing the UN Declaration on the protection of human rights defenders.
Babloo Loitongbam is once again facing threats after a public call from Meitei Leepun (ML), a local Meitei group, urging him to cease his human rights advocacy. On September 22, 2024, ML called on Babloo Loitongbam to stop his peacebuilding efforts amidst the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
Tensions escalated on September 23 when a group of approximately 50 individuals visited Babloo Loitongbam’s home in his absence, issuing threats to his family. They warned of severe consequences unless he limited his public appearances and stopped his human rights work. Footage of both the group’s press conference and their visit to his home was widely shared on social media.
Babloo Loitongbam responded with a public statement, reaffirming his commitment to human rights, which has spanned over three decades. He stressed his dedication to peaceful coexistence among Manipur’s diverse communities and his advocacy for the rights of vulnerable groups, including persecuted refugees from Myanmar.
The solidarity statement has garnered over 100 signatures from activists, students, and academics across India and internationally. Signatories include individuals from Timor-Leste, West Papua, Sri Lanka, the USA, and various Indian states such as Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, among others. They collectively demand an end to intimidation tactics and call for the protection of human rights defenders like Babloo Loitongbam, urging all parties to respect human rights principles in Manipur.
